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The Division of Intramural Research Seminar Series

A public lecture series, hosted by the NEI Intramural Research Program on the National Institutes of Health campus in Bethesda, Maryland.

Upcoming Seminars

What do Reactive Astrocytes (really) Do

June 4, 2026 — 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm ET

Bethesda, MD

Shane Liddelow, PhD

Associate Professor

NYU Grossman School of Medicine

Dr. Shane Liddelow's primary research focus is on understanding the complex roles of astrocytes in the brain. Astrocytes are a type of glial cell that play crucial roles in maintaining brain homeostasis, supporting neuron function, and responding to injury. His work has particularly centered on a subtype of reactive astrocytes that we discovered, which release toxic factors capable of killing specific neurons.

For assistance, including the need for sign language interpretation or other reasonable accommodation to participate in this event, please contact Ieva (Eve) Macionyte at ieva.macionyte@nih.gov

The Foundation for Advanced Education in the Sciences (FAES) is pleased to support the NEI for their Division of Intramural Research Seminar Series. FAES programs complement the work of NIH in accomplishing its mission of seeking and applying fundamental knowledge about the biomedical sciences. FAES is committed to supporting the academic and professional advancement of our community of learners through a constantly evolving curriculum and award-winning learner-centered approach to faculty development. Our Academic Programs department offers high quality, innovative, and flexible online continuing education and training, and we support our faculty in delivering impactful learning experiences through courses and workshops designed and taught according to research-based best practices. To learn more and to register, visit education.faes.org.

https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_MDIxNDQwZmQtODRhNi00M2Y4…

The Neural Basis of Tear Secretion

June 18, 2026 — 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm ET

Qin Liu, PhD

Full Professor

Washington University in St. Louis

Dr. Qin Liu’s research focuses on the neural components of allergic and infectious diseases. Her group aims to dissect the neuronal populations and circuits that drive allergic and infectious symptoms, including itchy, watery eyes, excessive sneezing, rhinorrhea, and coughing.

For assistance, including the need for sign language interpretation or other reasonable accommodation to participate in this event, please contact Ieva (Eve) Macionyte at ieva.macionyte@nih.gov

The Foundation for Advanced Education in the Sciences (FAES) is pleased to support the NEI for their Division of Intramural Research Seminar Series. FAES programs complement the work of NIH in accomplishing its mission of seeking and applying fundamental knowledge about the biomedical sciences. FAES is committed to supporting the academic and professional advancement of our community of learners through a constantly evolving curriculum and award-winning learner-centered approach to faculty development. Our Academic Programs department offers high quality, innovative, and flexible online continuing education and training, and we support our faculty in delivering impactful learning experiences through courses and workshops designed and taught according to research-based best practices. To learn more and to register, visit education.faes.org.

https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_MDIxNDQwZmQtODRhNi00M2Y4…

Past Seminars

Cholesterol and the retina: fundamental processes and clinical implications

November 7, 2024 — 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm ET

Irina Pikuleva, Ph.D.
Carl F. Asseff Professor and Vice Chair for Research
Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences
Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine

Hybrid event (in-person and online)
Contact Princess Alike to request virtual link

Shared neural circuitry of visuomotor integration and visual cognition

June 13, 2024 — 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm ET

Bethesda, MD

Tirin Moore, Ph.D.
Professor of Neurobiology
Stanford University/Howard Hughes Medical Institute

Hybrid event (in-person and online)

Resolving the functions of novel primate retinal ganglion cell types: a multimodal approach

May 30, 2024 — 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm ET

Bethesda, MD

Teresa Puthussery, O.D., Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Optometry & Vision Science
University of California Berkeley  

Hybrid event (in-person and online)

The promise of complement-based therapies for dry AMD

April 18, 2024 — 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm ET

Bethesda, MD

Catherine Bowes-Rickman, Ph.D.
George and Geneva Boguslavsky Distinguished Professor of Eye Research
Duke University

Hybrid event (in-person and online)

Mechanisms of Memory and Cognition

March 14, 2024 — 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm ET

Elizabeth Buffalo, Ph.D.
Chair & Professor, Department of Physiology and Biophysics
University of Washington

This seminar is now exclusively virtual.

Last updated: September 11, 2025